The left-hander turned the chase on its head with an unbeaten 21-ball 48, after KKR slipped to 155 for 7 following Rashid Khan‘s hat-trick.
KKR needed 29 from the final over off Yash Dayal. Rinku took strike after Umesh Yadav’s single on the first ball to send five hits over the fence to hand KKR a thrilling win.
The Indian cricketing fraternity took to social media to laud Rinku.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar noted that the thrilling match taught fans that “it is not over till it is over.”
“A match that went down to the wire & continued shifting momentum. One felt Rashid’s hat-trick was a game-changer but Rinku’s power-hitting was something special. Enjoyed the last few moments. This amazing game continues to teach us that it’s not over till it’s over. #GTvKKR,” tweeted Tendulkar.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), another IPL franchise took to Twitter to express their awe and inspiration at Rinku’s knock.
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IPL 2023: Rinku Singh hits 5 sixes off last 5 balls in stunning win for KKR
“Awestruck and inspired by what we witnessed earlier tonight! Top knock under pressure, Rinku! #PlayBold #GTvKKR #IPL2023,” tweeted RCB.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also acknowledged Rinku’s knock, drawing parallels with West Indies all-rounder Carlos Braithwaite’s knock against England in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, where he smashed Ben Stokes for four successive sixes in final over to seal WI’s second title.
“Rinku Singh Carlos Brathwaite “Remember the name!” #IPL2023 #T20WorldCup,” tweeted ICC.
Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag also tweeted, “All hail Lord Rinku Singh. 5 sixes in 5 balls in the last over of a run chase. One of the best last over-hitting in a chase that you would ever see. #KKRvGT.”
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded Rinku’s knock.
“Unbelievable hitting by @rinkusingh235 What a win by KKR,” tweeted Pathan.
